Coronavirus: Doorstep VE Day celebration planned

A local charity are coordinating a doorstep VE day celebration that will take place next month.

The Oatlands Community Group is planning a virtual VE Day celebration next month.

It's after the usual celebrations were cancelled due to the virus outbreak.

There will be a virtual celebration instead, with people standing on their doorsteps.

The Oatlands Community Group is planning a virtual celebration, after the usual celebrations were cancelled.

Victoria Smith-Dunn, Chair of OCG, said:

“This occasion would have been particularly special to older people who may remember celebrating back in 1945. As people grow older they are often socially isolated, and this event would have been a highlight in the calendar for many.”

“Now, instead of being able to get out for a party, many of those people are more isolated than ever due to the virus. We wanted to do something to reach out to them, and focus our thoughts on them at this special time.”

Since the beginning of the lockdown, OCG and its volunteers have been delivering care packages to elderly and vulnerable residents in the Oatlands area.

Every Monday, packages containing essentials such as toilet rolls and teabags, as well as drawings by local children, are provided to over 40 local residents each week. Many recipients have put the drawings up in their windows as a mark of appreciation.

Victoria said:

“On Friday 8th May, we will be delivering additional packages containing afternoon tea for one – cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream – as well as a postcard reproduction of a wartime scene drawn by local schoolboy Will Robinson."

"To help people celebrate virtually – and focusing especially on younger families who may be less aware of the significance of the occasion – OCG has prepared a VE Day Activity Pack containing information about the significance of VE Day, bunting, colouring in sheets and other ideas for engaging children in the day."